Welcoming Greener Travel with HVO powered coaches

Published: 5th September 2024

Dublin Express coaches are getting Greener! 

At Dublin Express, we're always striving to make your travel experience better, and we're thrilled to share that not only enhances your journey but also makes a positive impact on our planet. We’ve taken a huge step forward in our commitment to sustainability by becoming the first passenger transport operator in Ireland to transition our fleet of coaches from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is a big deal—not just for us, but for everyone who cares about reducing their carbon footprint while getting from point A to point B.

A Greener Journey Begins

Every time you hop on a Dublin Express coach, you’re not just catching a ride—you’re contributing to a significant environmental movement. By switching our entire Dublin fleet of coaches to HVO, we’re cutting our CO2 emissions by up to a whopping 90% compared to using regular diesel. To put it into perspective, each coach running on diesel produces the same emissions as 12 coaches running on HVO. Now, with our 21-vehicle fleet fully transitioned to this greener fuel, it’s like we’ve replaced 252 diesel coaches with a much cleaner option.
So, what exactly is HVO? It’s a renewable, sustainable biofuel made from used cooking oil. The same oil that fries your chips can now help power our coaches. HVO is a second-generation biofuel meaning it’s made from waste products, not fresh crops. Plus, it’s super-efficient—with a higher cetane number than traditional diesel, which translates to better engine performance, fewer emissions, and an even longer engine life.

 

What This Means for You

For our passengers, this shift to HVO means that every trip you take with Dublin Express is now much kinder to the environment. Over the next year, we expect to carry over 2 million passengers between Dublin City and Dublin Airport, and each one of those journeys will now have a significantly smaller carbon footprint. That’s something we can all feel good about.
But the benefits don’t stop at reduced emissions. We know that convenience is key when it comes to choosing how you travel, and we’re committed to making sure that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on service. Our coaches depart every seven minutes during peak times from our central hub at Custom House Quay, getting you to Dublin Airport in under 30 minutes. With our Rail2Air ticket partnership with Irish Rail, you can travel seamlessly from Heuston Station and then onto Dublin Airport by coach—all on a single ticket. It’s not just about making your journey greener; it’s about making it easier and more affordable, too.
Not to mention, by taking one of our coaches, you’re helping to reduce the number of cars on the road. Each coach can take up to 50 cars off the road, which not only eases traffic congestion but also further reduces emissions. It’s a win-win situation: you get a stress-free ride to the airport, and together we make a big difference in cutting down on Ireland’s overall carbon emissions.

 

Leading the Charge in Sustainable Travel

We’re incredibly proud to be leading the charge in the decarbonisation of mass passenger transport in Ireland. This isn’t just about being the first to make the switch to HVO; it’s about setting a new standard for what’s possible in sustainable travel. We know that our passengers care about the environment, and we want to do our part to ensure that choosing public transport with Dublin Express is one of the greenest choices you can make.
Our General Manager, Rory Fitzgerald, put it perfectly when he said, “The shift to HVO is a real game-changer for Dublin Express, putting the wheels in motion for the decarbonisation of mass passenger transport. We’re proud to be one of the first coach operators in Ireland to be leading the way in reducing carbon emissions and doing our bit for the environment.”
And the numbers speak for themselves. According to our HVO provider, our switch to this greener fuel is saving a massive 45,217 kg of CO2 every week. So, every time you choose to travel with us, you’re actively participating in this incredible reduction of greenhouse gases. It’s not just about getting from one place to another—it’s about making every journey count for something bigger.

Join Us on the Road to a Greener Future

As we continue to grow and expand our services, our commitment to sustainability remains at the forefront of everything we do. We’re not just looking to reduce our own emissions; we’re also dedicated to encouraging more people to make the switch to public transport. After all, the fewer cars on the road, the better it is for everyone—less traffic, cleaner air, and a more pleasant travel experience overall.
So next time you need to get to Dublin Airport, choose the greener option? With Dublin Express, you’re not just getting a reliable, comfortable ride—you’re joining a movement towards a more sustainable future. Whether you’re a regular commuter, an occasional traveller, or just visiting Dublin for the first time, we’re here to make your journey as smooth and eco-friendly as possible.
We’re excited about the road ahead and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride. Together, we can make a big difference—one journey at a time. Thank you for choosing Dublin Express and thank you for helping us drive towards a greener future.

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